Ascoli Piceno: Squares, Travertine and Roman Traces

Ascoli Piceno combines a distinctive travertine cityscape with Roman traces, medieval religious buildings and routes through the southwestern surrounding area. In the historic centre, old travertine buildings stand close together. Walking tours are well suited to sightseeing, as the distances within the city are short.

Culture

A central starting point is Piazza del Popolo, which acquired its present regular appearance in the early years of the 16th century. Piazza Arringo forms the civic and religious centre of Ascoli Piceno. The Baptistery of San Giovanni, an important example of Romanesque architecture, also stands on this square. It preserves its original round baptismal font, which was intended for baptism by immersion.

The Church of San Francesco commemorates Saint Francis of Assisi’s visit to Ascoli Piceno in 1215. At the same time, it is considered an imposing example of Gothic architecture; its construction extended from 1258 to 1549. Directly beside the church is the Loggia dei Mercanti, a 16th-century building in the Bramante style. The cathedral also combines several periods: it stands on the site of a Roman public building, while its crypt houses the relics of the saint.

The ancient history of the city includes the Roman theatre and several surviving structures. The Roman theatre was excavated between 1932 and 1959 and is still undergoing excavation. The Ponte Augusteo is a Roman bridge from the 1st century BC over the River Tronto. Following restoration work in the 1930s, it can be crossed through the interior. The Porta Gemina preserves remains of Roman walls made of opus reticulatum.

The Museo Archeologico Statale di Ascoli Piceno presents collections ranging from prehistory through the Picenian culture to the Roman era. Its historical development extends back to Asculum, ancient Ascoli Piceno. Through trade along the later Via Salaria, Asculum came into contact with Rome as early as before the alliance with the Piceni in 299 BC. The restored Forte Malatesta showcases Renaissance fortification architecture associated with Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. The Museo dell’Alto Medioevo in the fort displays precious grave goods from the Lombard necropolis of Castel Trosino.

The cultural offering also includes the Museo dell'Arte Ceramica. It has a well-equipped workshop with a potter’s wheel and kilns. The Quintana di Ascoli Piceno includes a historical festival procession as well as a knightly tournament on the Campo de' Giochi. Its traditional programme includes knightly tournaments in July and August.

When visiting the Museo Archeologico Statale di Ascoli Piceno, the traffic situation around the building should be taken into account: the museum is located in a restricted-traffic zone that cannot be accessed by private car all the way to the entrance. The nearest car parks, at Piazza della Viola and Porta Torricella, charge a fee.

Routes and Landscape

The Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani begins and ends in Ascoli Piceno and can be completed on foot or by bicycle. Around 80 per cent of the route follows historic paths and mule tracks. The circular route connects Ascoli Piceno with the diverse landscape southwest of the city.

Cycling infrastructure planning also extends beyond individual sections within the city. A municipal cycle and pedestrian path was planned partly through a river landscape of high scenic value. In addition, a cycle path project is intended to connect Ascoli Piceno with the coast via the Tronto Valley. Both projects should be understood as plans or as a planned connection.

Culinary Traditions

Part of the local identity is a meat-filled speciality that acquired its now familiar form in the 19th century and became a symbol of conviviality in Ascoli. This culinary tradition is complemented by Anisetta Meletti, a natural liqueur made by distilling anise seeds and aromatic spices. It is based on an original recipe from 1870.

You can access further destination pages directly: Amandola, Lisciano, Folignano, Ascoli Piceno, Arquata Del Tronto, Pesaro - Urbino, Macerata, Fermo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Brands.